Avalon Advanced Materials intersects 1.67% Li2O over 105.6m and 1.68% Li2O over 66.2m at Big Whopper Deposit, Separation Rapids
Avalon Advanced Materials intersects 1.67%
Li2O over 105.6m and 1.68% Li2O over 66.2m
at Big Whopper Deposit, Separation Rapids
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - July 22, 2024) -
Avalon Advanced Materials Inc.
(TSX: AVL)
(OTCQB: AVLNF) is pleased to report the first batch of drill results for the 2024 winter drill campaign
(total 10 holes) from the Separation Rapids Project in Kenora, Ontario (the "Project").
See Figure 1
. The
2024 winter drill campaign was conducted by the joint venture company Separation Rapids Ltd.
Separation Rapids Ltd is a joint venture between SCR-Sibelco NV ("Sibelco"; 60% ownership) and
Avalon Advanced Materials Inc. (40%).
The results represent 512 assay results from 5 diamond drill holes completed as part of the 2024
expansion and infill drill campaign at the current 750m strike long Big Whopper Deposit.
See Figure 2
.
The successful drill program focused on upgrading the 2023 Mineral Resource Estimation classification
as well as to expand the mineral resources.
Highlights include:
SR24-114 intersected 1.67% Li2O over 105.6 meters from 313.5 meters depth and 1.78% Li2O
over 21.5 meters from 143.5 meters depth
SR24-113 intersected 1.68% Li2O over 66.2 meters from 292.2 meters depth and 1.95% Li2O
over 32.6 meters from 121.0 meters depth
SR24-115 intersected 1.81% Li2O over 13.8 meters from 93.5 meters depth
SR24-116 intersected 1.69% Li2O over 8.9 meters from 313 meters depth and 1.67% Li2O over
12.7 meters from 325.3 meters depth
All quoted intersections comprise a cutoff grade of 0.5% Li2O. All significant assay intervals are
reported in Table 1.
Scott Monteith, CEO and Director of Avalon Advanced Materials Inc. commented, "We are very excited
with these fantastic drill results, which are a true reflection of the exploration upside potential of the
project. Our technical team is eager to follow up on some of the longer intercepts to better understand
the depth potential for resource expansion. We continue to advance on our Thunder Bay Lithium
processing facility and expect more news in the coming weeks."
The results from the first batch of the 2024 drilling campaign identifies areas of added value for the main
pegmatites with SR24-113 and SR24-114 both intersecting values ≥0.5% Li2O over 50-meter intervals,
opening the main pegmatite.
See Figure 3
. Eastern step out drilling of the current conceptual pit shows
continued mineralization filling in a gap with the potential to upgrade mineral resource classification
. See
Figure 4
.
Progress at Separation Rapids continues to advance with ongoing geotechnical work and mineralogical
studies to facilitate in the eventual mine plan and processing optimization.
Hydrogeological testing and evaluation will be starting in August with continued monitoring and a follow
up Phase 2 planned for review for the upcoming 2025 program.
Environmental field work was completed in June 2024 as part of the baseline and permitting processes
and is in reporting and review stages. Continued engagement with local communities has been and will
continue to be a priority.
A property wide mapping and sampling program will commence late July 2024 with a focus on satellite
targets and areas of limited geological data for further evaluation of the promising potential on the
property. The outlined program will prioritize following an interpreted trend from the Big Whopper to the
western extent of the property. This mapping program will cover approximately 5 kilometers along strike.
Figure 1
- Location of Separation Rapids Project
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
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Figure 2:
Big Whopper Deposit with current released hole locations highlighted.
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3386/217207_d0a39b0e6494d8ce_002full.jpg
Figure 3:
Long Section of the Big Whopper (View NNE) Incorporating all drilling up to and including
SR24-117, representing 8,961.4 meters and assays above 0.5% Li2O. Current release drill traces in
blue.
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3386/217207_d0a39b0e6494d8ce_003full.jpg
Five of the Five drill holes returned significant drill intercepts greater >/=0.5% Li2O.
Figure 4:
Vertical Cross section showing SR24-113 and SR24-114 with large intercepts illustrating the
potential to increase the main pegmatite with the new modelling.
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3386/217207_d0a39b0e6494d8ce_004full.jpg
Table 1:
Significant drill intersections
Az
Dip
From (m)
To (m)
Core Length (m)
True Thickness
(m)
Li2O%
Intercept
SR24-113
195
-76
93.25
96.15
2.90
2.81
1.40
1.4 Li2O% over 2.9m
101.85
103.90
2.05
1.99
1.25
1.25 Li2O% over 2.05m
121.00
153.60
32.60
31.63
1.95
1.95 Li2O% over 32.6m
178.10
180.60
2.50
2.43
1.38
1.38 Li2O% over 2.5m
190.40
191.10
0.70
0.68
1.39
1.39 Li2O% over 0.7m
193.60
194.00
0.40
0.39
1.40
1.4 Li2O% over 0.4m
203.70
204.60
0.90
0.87
1.47
1.47 Li2O% over 0.9m
228.65
229.35
0.70
0.68
2.51
2.51 Li2O% over 0.7m
244.00
247.00
3.00
2.91
1.75
1.75 Li2O% over 3m
292.25
358.45
66.20
64.23
1.68
1.68 Li2O% over 66.2m
358.70
360.00
1.30
1.26
1.39
1.39 Li2O% over 1.3m
364.00
365.30
1.30
1.26
1.42
1.42 Li2O% over 1.3m
365.60
371.35
5.75
5.58
1.61
1.61 Li2O% over 5.75m
SR24-114
197
-75
143.50
165.00
21.50
20.77
1.78
1.78 Li2O% over 21.5m
170.90
176.60
5.70
5.51
1.93
1.93 Li2O% over 5.7m
177.20
188.50
11.30
10.91
1.86
1.86 Li2O% over 11.3m
192.75
194.85
2.10
2.03
2.08
2.08 Li2O% over 2.1m
195.60
196.70
1.10
1.06
0.88
0.88 Li2O% over 1.1m
197.00
198.75
1.75
1.69
1.39
1.39 Li2O% over 1.75m
199.50
201.00
1.50
1.45
1.14
1.14 Li2O% over 1.5m
203.70
204.35
0.65
0.63
1.45
1.45 Li2O% over 0.65m
213.00
214.00
1.00
0.97
2.87
2.87 Li2O% over 1m
244.00
245.30
1.30
1.26
1.53
1.53 Li2O% over 1.3m
246.15
247.20
1.05
1.01
1.12
1.12 Li2O% over 1.05m
250.65
252.70
2.05
1.98
1.33
1.33 Li2O% over 2.05m
253.25
255.00
1.75
1.69
1.12
1.12 Li2O% over 1.75m
258.25
260.05
1.80
1.74
1.79
1.79 Li2O% over 1.8m
264.90
267.90
3.00
2.90
2.01
2.01 Li2O% over 3m
290.40
291.30
0.90
0.87
1.79
1.79 Li2O% over 0.9m
307.75
309.10
1.35
1.30
1.39
1.39 Li2O% over 1.35m
310.75
312.90
2.15
2.08
1.70
1.7 Li2O% over 2.15m
313.15
418.80
105.65
102.05
1.67
1.67 Li2O% over 105.65m
416.25
418.80
2.55
2.46
1.50
1.5 Li2O% over 2.55m
421.40
423.15
1.75
1.69
1.07
1.07 Li2O% over 1.75m
424.00
425.00
1.00
0.97
1.52
1.52 Li2O% over 1m
427.00
431.00
4.00
3.86
1.48
1.48 Li2O% over 4m
SR24-115
178
-53
75.00
77.00
2.00
1.60
1.76
1.76 Li2O% over 2m
93.50
107.30
13.80
11.02
1.81
1.81 Li2O% over 13.8m
105.50
107.30
1.80
1.44
2.79
2.79 Li2O% over 1.8m
108.55
112.50
3.95
3.15
1.38
1.38 Li2O% over 3.95m
126.25
126.90
0.65
0.52
2.03
2.03 Li2O% over 0.65m
127.40
128.30
0.90
0.72
1.49
1.49 Li2O% over 0.9m
131.90
132.65
0.75
0.60
1.44
1.44 Li2O% over 0.75m
134.55
134.80
0.25
0.20
1.28
1.28 Li2O% over 0.25m
174.20
175.00
0.80
0.64
1.65
1.65 Li2O% over 0.8m
175.45
175.65
0.20
0.16
1.46
1.46 Li2O% over 0.2m
SR24-116
192
-71
300.30
301.40
1.10
1.04
1.49
1.49 Li2O% over 1.1m
302.00
302.50
0.50
0.47
1.66
1.66 Li2O% over 0.5m
303.80
305.85
2.05
1.94
1.83
1.83 Li2O% over 2.05m
306.05
312.55
6.50
6.15
1.66
1.66 Li2O% over 6.5m
313.00
321.95
8.95
8.46
1.69
1.69 Li2O% over 8.95m
325.30
338.05
12.75
12.06
1.67
1.67 Li2O% over 12.75m
340.15
340.45
0.30
0.28
1.64
1.64 Li2O% over 0.3m
343.30
343.55
0.25
0.24
1.92
1.92 Li2O% over 0.25m
SR24-117
175
-54
93.25
93.75
0.50
0.40
1.08
1.08 Li2O% over 0.5m
132.40
133.55
1.15
0.93
1.58
1.58 Li2O% over 1.15m
Rules for Intercept Calculation
1 - values of >/= 0.5% pegmatite are reported with maximum waste interval of 1 meter included
2 - published intercepts still stand if intercepts are >/=0.5 % when higher grade includings are removed
3 - each reported intercept supported by mineralized pegmatite as logged in drill core
4 - Zones of <0.5 % Li2O are not published as standalone, but included in intercept calculations if a continued zone is <1.0m
5 - intercepts <0.5m are removed from table - comment in release will be noted
Qualified Persons
Disclosure of a scientific or technical nature in this news release was prepared under the supervision of
Jessica Borysenko, P.Geo, ON. Member number 2279, Manager of Geology and Mines, Canada for
Separation Rapids Ltd. Ms. Borysenko is a qualified person for the purposes of National Instrument 43-
101, who has reviewed and approved the technical information included in this news release.
Quality Assurance-Quality Control ("QA/QC")
QA/QC protocols followed at the Big Whooper include the insertion of blanks and standards at regular
intervals in each sample batch. Drill core is cut in half with one half retained at site, the other half tagged
and sent to ALS in Thunder Bay.
Prep and Analytical Methods Used
PREP-33D - Log, Crush - Fine Crushing 90% <2mm, Split, Pulverize 1 kg split to 95%<106 um.
1
.
ME-4ACD81 - this is a multielement analysis using four acid digestion, that includes lithium to
10,000 ppm (1%) Li (2.15% Li2O)
2
.
ME-ICP06 - is a "whole rock" analysis that covers components such as silicon, sodium, potassium
and iron so is useful as a check on rock type, feldspar content and type, and amphibolite content.
3
.
ME-MS81 - is a fusion multielement analysis that includes important pegmatite elements such as
Rb, Ta, Nb and Sn
4
.
F- IC881 - a fluorine specific analysis that clearly indicates whether lepidolite is present in the rock.
Any value over 10,000 ppm (1%) F is likely to be Unit 6d - the lepidolite bearing unit.
Any sample that exceeds the lithium limits for ME-4ACD81 (1% Li, or 2.15% Li2O) is reanalyzed using
method ME-ICP82b - a lithium specific method with limit of 10% Li (21% Li2O).
Pulps are to be returned to the project site.
Board Update:
The Company is also pleased to announce that Mr. Alan Ferry has been re-appointed as Chair of the
Board. Mr. Jan Holland has resigned from the Company's Board of Directors.
The Company thanks Mr.
Holland for his service to the Company over the last year.
About Avalon Advanced Materials Inc.
Avalon Advanced Materials Inc. is a Canadian advanced manufacturing company focused on vertically
integrating the Ontario lithium supply chain.
The Company, through its joint venture with SCR-Sibelco NV,
is currently developing its Separation Rapids lithium deposit near Kenora, ON, while also continuing to
advance the Snowbank lithium and Lilypad lithium-caesium projects.
Avalon is also working to develop
its Nechalacho rare earths and zirconium project located in the Northwest Territories.
This deposit
contains critical minerals for use in advanced technologies in the communications and defense
industries among other sectors.
In addition to these upstream activities, Avalon is executing on a key initiative to develop Ontario's first
midstream lithium hydroxide processing facility in Thunder Bay, ON, a vital link bridging the lithium
resources of the north with the downstream EV battery manufacturing base in the south.
For questions or feedback, please email the Company at
or contact Ms.
Rachel Naji, Investor Relations Manager at 416-364-4938.
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information
This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian
securities legislation.
Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to statements related to
planned work at the Project, and that we expect more news in the coming weeks.
Generally, forward-
looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "add" or
"additional", "advancing", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "appears", "believes", "can be",
"conceptual", "confidence", "continue", "convert" or "conversion", "deliver", "demonstrating",
"estimates", "encouraging", "expand" or "expanding" or "expansion", "expect" or "expectations",
"forecasts", "forward", "goal", "improves", "increase", "intends", "justification", "plans", "potential" or
"potentially", "promise", "prospective", "prioritize", "reflects", "robust", "scheduled", "suggesting",
"support", "top-tier", "updating", "upside", "will be" or "will consider", "work towards", or variations of
such words and phrases or state that certain
actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might",
or "will be taken", "occur", or "be achieved".
Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that
may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be
materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including risks
associated with mineral exploration and development operations such as: environmental hazards and
economic factors as they affect the cost and success of the Company's capital expenditures, the ability
of the Company to obtain required permits and approvals, the ability of the Company to obtain financing,
uncertainty in the estimation of mineral resources, uncertainty with respect to the ability to successfully
construct and develop the Company's lithium processing facility, the price of lithium, no operating history,
no operating revenue and negative cash flow, land title risk, the market price of the Company's
securities, the economic feasibility of the Company's mineral resources and the Company's commercial
viability, inflation and uncertain global economic conditions, uncertain geo-political shifts and risks,
successful collaboration with indigenous communities, changes in technology and advancements in
innovation may impact the development of the Company's technology innovation centre and its lithium
hydroxide processing facility, future pandemics and other health crises, dependence on management
and other highly skilled personnel, title to the Company's mineral properties, the ongoing war in Ukraine
and Israel, extensive government and environmental regulation, reliance on artificial intelligence
technology to influence mining operations, volatility in the financial markets, uninsured risks, climate
change, threat of legal proceedings, as well as those risk factors discussed or referred to in the annual
information form of the Company dated November 28, 2023 (the "AIF") under the heading "Description
of the Business - Risk Factors". Forward-looking information is based on the reasonable assumptions,
estimates, analysis and opinions of management made in light of its experience and perception of
trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management
believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances at the date that such statements are made,
but which may prove to be incorrect. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and
expectations reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be
placed on forward-looking information because the Company can give no assurance that such
expectations will prove to be correct. In addition to other factors and assumptions identified in the AIF,
assumptions have been made regarding, among other things: management of certain of the Company's
assets by other companies or joint venture partners, the Company's ability to carry on its exploration and
development activities without undue delays or unbudgeted costs, the ability of the Company to obtain
sufficient qualified personnel, equipment and services in a timely and cost effective manner, the ability of
the Company to operate in a safe, efficient and effective manner, the ability of the Company to obtain all
necessary financing on acceptable terms and when needed, the accuracy of the Company's resource
estimates and geological, operational and price assumptions on which these are based and the
continuance of the regulatory framework regarding environmental manners. Readers are cautioned that
the foregoing list is not exhaustive of all factors and assumptions that may have been used.
Although the
Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially
from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to
be as anticipated, estimated or intended.
There can be no assurance that such information will prove to
be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such
information.
Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information.
The
Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with
applicable securities laws.
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